InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco

Rooms and decor

Picture a grand 19-floor hotel that has stood on the very top of Nob Hill since 1926 — that is the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, a legend built on land that once held the grand mansion of Mark Hopkins, one of the "Big Four" railroad barons who built California's fortunes. The building blends Beaux-Arts with Gothic into something stately, and has long been one of the city's skyline icons. Rooms are dressed in fine wood and Victorian-era detailing for a warm, classic luxury that never shouts. Many higher floors open their curtains onto a full view of San Francisco Bay and the city stretching out, and reviewers agree the best-value highlight is waking up to that city-and-bay view from a high-floor room. Beds are soft, and the rooms carry the mood of an old hotel with a real story. Anyone who loves classic luxury that modern hotels can't replicate will likely fall for it from the first step into the lobby.

Food and amenities

If one thing made this hotel famous worldwide, it is Top of the Mark, the legendary sky lounge on the 19th floor open since 1939. Its signature is the glass windows wrapping every side for a full 360-degree view taking in the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, the islands in the bay and a sea of city rooftops. Many say that simply coming up to sip a cocktail by the window at sunset is worth the stay on its own, and some evenings bring live music for a romantic, nostalgic mood. There is also an old tale of the Squadron Bar, where WWII-era navy sailors would have a farewell drink before sailing out under the Golden Gate — a story that ties the lounge deep into the city's history. For meals there is the Nob Hill restaurant, serving food and breakfast in a classic, stately setting that's made for lingering. There is also a fitness center, an InterContinental-level concierge who can plan your city days, and event spaces that have made this hotel a key gathering place for decades.

Location and getting there

Mark Hopkins' location is another undeniable ace. The hotel sits on the very top of Nob Hill, one of San Francisco's most refined and classic neighborhoods, on the corner of California & Mason where the California Street cable car runs right past the door. That means you can hop a classic cable car instead of trudging up and down the steep slope. It is about 4 to 5 blocks downhill to Union Square, the city's central shopping and theater district, and a little further to Chinatown, the oldest and largest in North America. Directly across from the hotel stands Grace Cathedral, a stately cathedral worth a look, and the Cable Car museum is nearby too. From this crest you can ride the cable car down to Fisherman's Wharf on the bay or connect on to other neighborhoods with ease. For anyone who wants a refined location with both history and city views, but with major sights a step out the door, this spot scores a full ten.

Things to know before booking

Straight talk to help you decide. The first thing reviews raise most often is the rooms in a nearly century-old building — charming and classic, yes, but some feel older than modern, and both the decor and room sizes may look less lavish than some expect at this price. Anyone after a boldly modern design may need to adjust expectations a little. The second, and important, point is the view: the hotel is known for its bay and Golden Gate outlook, but not every room gets it. Lower or city-facing rooms see the street or the city more than the water, so if the iconic view is what you want, ask clearly for a high-floor bay-facing room when you book. Third, there is no pool to relax in, and there are extra charges to check first — a destination/amenity fee and valet parking that runs fairly high by the standard of luxury hotels downtown. Finally, the hotel sits on a steep crest of Nob Hill that is a tiring walk up for those who don't love long climbs, so lean on the cable car at the door to get up and down.

Our take

After reading through hundreds of real reviews, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco sells the charm of a 1926 legend, the Top of the Mark with its 360-degree view, and an iconic Nob Hill location with a character that is genuinely hard to match. If the trip in your head is staying in a stately building that is a skyline icon, waking up to a bay view from a high floor, then going up for a sunset cocktail with the Golden Gate all around at Top of the Mark, this is a choice that will stay with you. But if you're expecting boldly modern rooms or a pool to soak in, it may feel like it falls a little short for the price, and you should make peace with the old-tower rooms, the need to request a bay-view room, and the extra fees. Overall we give it 8.7/10, best for couples and luxury travelers who love a historic hotel, a central location and an iconic view more than modern design and amenities like a pool.